Understanding frog immune response and adaptation to the deadly chytrid fungus could help conserve these endangered species.

While Chytrid fungus is known to cause immunosuppression and disrupt skin osmoregulation, the mechanisms of virulence are not understood, which severely hampers control efforts. Bd strains from Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania will be analysed using novel genetic and metabolite screens to determine the geographical differences between isolates. This molecular work also involves screening for viruses that kill chytrid.